Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce Indo-Nepal relations, emphasizing their historical connections in culture, politics, and economics.
• Mention the recent shifts in these relations.

2. Recent Factors Influencing the Shift

• Border Disputes
  • Discuss the Kalapani dispute and its implications for bilateral relations.
  • Fact: Nepal’s claims over Kalapani have led to significant diplomatic tensions (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
• Perception of India’s Influence
  • Address Nepal’s view of India’s “big brother” approach, particularly during the 2015 economic blockade.
  • Fact: The blockade was perceived as a political maneuver, causing public resentment in Nepal (Source: International Crisis Group).
• Security Concerns
  • Highlight issues related to illegal migration and trafficking due to the porous border.
  • Fact: Increased illegal activities along the Indo-Nepal border have raised security alarms in both countries (Source: South Asia Terrorism Portal).
• Chinese Engagement
  • Discuss Nepal’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its implications for India.
  • Fact: China has invested significantly in infrastructure projects in Nepal, creating strategic concerns for India (Source: Observer Research Foundation).

3. Changes in Relations

• Summarize the overall impact of the above factors on Indo-Nepal relations, focusing on deteriorating trust and increasing geopolitical competition.

4. Measures for India to Enhance Relations

• Cultural and Religious Engagement
  • Suggest promoting shared cultural and religious values to strengthen ties.
• Diplomatic Reliability
  • Recommend fulfilling political assurances to build trust.
• Reviewing Key Agreements
  • Propose addressing the Eminent Persons’ Group report and reviewing the 1950 Treaty.
  • Fact: The report has not been officially submitted, indicating a gap in diplomatic engagement (Source: Government of Nepal).
• Bilateral Committees
  • Emphasize the need to energize bilateral mechanisms to resolve ongoing issues such as border disputes.
• Infrastructure Development
  • Discuss the importance of connectivity projects, including the cross-border petroleum pipeline.
  • Fact: The Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline is the first of its kind in South Asia, promoting energy security (Source: Economic Times).
• Strategic Communication
  • Suggest regular dialogues between Kathmandu and Delhi to address strategic concerns.

5. Conclusion

• Reiterate the importance of revitalizing Indo-Nepal relations for regional stability and mutual benefits.

Relevant Facts to Use in Answers

• Kalapani Dispute: Ongoing border tensions since 2019 (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
• 2015 Economic Blockade: Criticized for exacerbating humanitarian issues (Source: International Crisis Group).
• Illegal Activities: Reports of increased trafficking and illegal migration (Source: South Asia Terrorism Portal).
• Chinese Investments: Significant funding in projects like the Trans-Himalayan Connectivity Network (Source: Observer Research Foundation).
• Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline: First cross-border petroleum pipeline in South Asia, enhancing economic ties (Source: Economic Times).

This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question, incorporating relevant facts and sources for a comprehensive discussion.